Carlo Ancelotti says Chelsea's Petr Cech is one of the best
goalkeepers in the world and expects him to bounce back from his
recent jitters.
Ancelotti's men have looked vulnerable from set-pieces and
Cech's communication with his defenders has been highlighted after
the Premier League leaders took just nine points from 18 in
December.
However, Ancelotti believes errors come from his goalkeeper
wanting to take responsibility for his penalty area, which the
Italian views as a positive attribute.
"I said Petr Cech is one of the most important players for
this team, one of the best goalkeepers in the world," Ancelotti
said. "I like him because he takes on responsibility in the box, he
likes to come out to catch the ball. Above all, that's important in
England, to have this kind of goalkeeper.
"A goalkeeper that takes responsibility can make the odd
mistake. I prefer to have a goalkeeper who takes responsibility
than one who just stays on his goalline and doesn't take that
responsibility."
Cech could be in goal against Watford in the FA Cup on Sunday
as Ancelotti is set to pick a strong side, having been told about
the importance of the competition on his arrival at Stamford
Bridge.
"I want to put out my best team," he said. "It's a very
important competition in England. In Italy, the Italian Cup is not
so important.
"We want to do our best. It is one of our objectives, our
aim, to win it. Last year we won it. We want to do the best again
this year.
"Watford are a good team. I don't know them very well, but I
have an opportunity to watch a DVD. Every team can give you
problems. It is important to stay focused and concentrated."
Picking a strong team also means Michael Ballack, who is
thought to be close to agreeing a new deal to stay at the club,
could also start.
"He has a great personality and I'm happy he will stay here
for the next years," Ancelotti said.
Chelsea will be without Didier Drogba, John Mikel Obi,
Michael Essien and Salomon Kalou, who are on international duty at
the African Nations Cup.
Losing four players is frustrating for Ancelotti but he would
not be put off signing another African player in the future. He
said: "I think that when they have to play for their national team,
it's not a problem. It's like the European players.
"Every top player can go to the national team. It's not a
problem for the Africans. It'll be a great opportunity for the
young players now to show their quality. I hope they will do a very
good job because I trust in these players."
Ancelotti has also been helped by the fact Chelsea play
Watford, Hull, Sunderland, Birmingham and Burnley during January,
rather than their Premier League title rivals.
"In January we have a possibility to work every week without
matches (in midweek)," he added. "We have a possibility to improve
our condition because, in December, we didn't have that opportunity
to train.
"For this, I think we lost some physical condition. We had
some injuries but I think that, in January, it will be better."
